Clip-forming and clinching mechanisms



3 SheetsSheet l R. W. WINBERG CLIP-FORMING AND CLINCHING MECHANISMS Sept. 3, 1957 Filed Aug. 26, 1955 FIG.

F I G. 2.

INVENTOR.

Ame/v40 w n/M esxas ATTORNEY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 3, 1957 R. W. WINBERG CLIP-FORMING AND CLINCHING MECHANISMS Filed Aug. 26, 1955 Sept. 3, 1957 R. w. WINBERG 2,804,622

CLIP-FORMING AND CLINCHING MECHANISMS Filed Aug. 26, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. PAG/VAE W M/l/VA-PG WWW ATTORNEY States AND CLINCHING MECHANISMS Application August 26, 1955, Serial No. 530,778

13 Claims. (Cl. 1-177) The present invention relates to forming and assembling apparatus, and particularly to a machine for forming spring clips from a strip of metal and for clinching the metal clips on an article, such as the inturned ends of a covered wire buckle. This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 488,813, filed March 16, 1955.

In the manufacture of covered wire buckles, it is con: ventional to form a length of wire stock covered with leather, plastic, cloth or the like, into a generally rectangular shape or frame with terminal or end portions of the wire stock bent into end to end alignment. Thereafter, the aligned end portions of the buckle body are joined together by a metal clip which is clinched about the aligned end portions. The finishing operation usually is achieved by employing a more or less conventional foot or kick press in conjunction with machine-formed clips. This type of finishing operation necessitates manual feed of successive clips to the press along with the buckle body, followed by operation of the press. Obviously, this manner of finishing is tedious and time-consuming, especially when it is recalled that covered wire buckles are usually manufactured in very large quantities and at comparatively low unit cost.

In lieu of such tedious and time-consuming finishing operation, mechanisms have been devised for automatically feeding clips of a special construction from a hopper to a clinching punch or press at which the speciallyformed clip is clinched about the inturned ends of the buckle body. Although such machine represents an advance over the prevalent finishing methods, the machine is limited in its application in that it requires clips of special construction. Apart from the increase in cost represented by employing such special clips, the need for such special clips limits the manufacturers source of supply.

Investigation indicates that clips or especially simple configuration, as have been employed for many years, are suitable for clinching the inturned ends of the buckle '5 1 atent body. Such clips are of generally U-shaped configuration and define a guideway into which the inturned ends of the buckle may he slipped. The U-shaped clip terminates at its opposite sides in serrated edges which, when turned inwardly during the clinching operation, serve as teeth and grasp the buckle covering. Practical considerations indicate that such clips should be both formed and clinched by the belt manufacturer. That is, from the viewpoint of economy, simplicity and availability, both the clip manufacturing and clip clinching operation should be achieved in the same machine, preferably starting from readily available metallic stock.

It is broadly known to provide a single machine which forms clips or ferrules and to apply such clips to cylindrical members; however, such machines in their broad application to the manufacture of covered Wire buckles ar l most simple mechanical difficulties which might be encountered in other types of automatic machinery are a deterrent to use of such a machine by a buckle manufacturer, especially when it is recalled that cost considerations dictate the use of unskilled labor in operating such machines. Apart from the labor requirements, such clipforming and clinching machines are usually placed in relatively small manufacturing operations having no facilities for minor adjustments or servicing. Usually the most simple repair or adjustment necessitates the services of an outside mechanic.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to provide a clip-forming and clinching machine obviating one or more of the aforesaid difliculties. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide mechanisms which form lengths of metal stock into clips and transfer successive clips to further mechanisms for clinching the clips about an article, such as the inturned ends of a covered wire buckle.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide clip-forming and clinching mechanisms suitable for use in the manufacture of covered Wire buckles and which may be operated by highly unskilled personnel.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide forming and clinching aparatus of the aforesaid character'which assure virtualy trouble-free operation, and in the event of fouling, may be cleared of the trouble without requiring dismantling of parts, or servicing by a skilled repairman.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide clip-forming and clinching mechanisms which may be operated with minimum risk of injury to the operator, and without extreme dexterity or care on the part of the operator.

A still further problem encountered in the forming or bending of a clip about the inturned ends of covered Wire buckles is that of handling covered wires of different gauges and/ or coverings of difierent thicknesses and materials. When changing over from one type of covered wire stock to another type, it is not uncommon to find that the clinching punch or die exerts excessive pressure on the covered wire stock, causing the covering to be marred, ripped, or otherwise distorted. Under such conditions, it is necessary to change the dies and/or change the length of the stroke. Such need for adjustment represents a loss of time and money, especially if short runs are made of buckles manufactured of various stock thicknesses.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide clinching or forming mechanisms which are capable of exerting uniform clinching pressure, despite varia tions in thicknesses of the covered wire stock employed in the buckles being fed to the mechanisms. To advantage', a wide variety of covered wire buckles may be fin ished by the present mechanisms, with the assurance of self-adjustment of the clinching pressure, and substantial uniformity in clinching pressure from buckle to buckle.

The above objects as well as further advantages and features of the present invention will be best appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of several presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an illustrative clipforming and clip-clinching machine demonstrating features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a layout view showing the development for the several cam drives of the present machine and illustrating the timing for the present machine;

Fig. 3 'is a plan view showing the metal stock from which successive clips are formed, with a clip blanked out from the stock proper;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a typical clip manufactured by machines embodying features of the present invention; I p v Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the assembly of the clip of Fig. 4 and a covered' wire buckleafter clinching by the present machine;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along" the line 66 of Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational-view showingthe present clip-forming mechanisms'with the clinching die in the extended position, the bending pun'oh in'theyre tracted position, and with a length of stock in position to be blanked by the cutting die; 7

Fig. 8is-a'nelevational view similar to Fig. 7-,.showing showing the clinching die in the retracted position; the bending punch in the retracted position and the' cutting die in position after blanking apiece ofstocle from the continuous length of stock;

Fig. 9 is an elevational'viewsimilar to'F-ig. 7, showing: the clinching-die inthe retracted position,- andtthe bending punch in the extending position wherein a for'nr clip-is delivered to'the" clinching station;

Fig. 10 is-an elevational-view taken'fromthe right of Fig. l and with part sectioned showi'ng the details of the single cycle, pedally operated drive for theform'ing. and clinching machine of the present invention; and;

Fig. 11' is an elevational view taken'from' the left-' of Fig. 1, showing the details of the intermittently operable drive for advancing the stripped stock to-the'cutting'and forming mechanisms.

Preliminary to a detailed description of a] machine embodying, features of the present invention, reference will be made to Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive, which show in sequence, the stock S for forming clips (Figs. 3), the

formed' spring clip C (Fig. 4), and the clinched buckle B (Fig. 5). The spring clip C whichis-to'be assembled about the inturned ends of the buckle B includes a generally U-shaped body havingdivergent walls'22, 24 joined together by a curvedbight 26, the walls terminating in serrated edges providing gripping fingers 28. The buckle shown in Fig S includes a-rectangular body 30 formed from a lengthof Wire stock having thereon an appropriate leather, plasticor clothcover, the-rectangular body having inturned and aligned ends or terminal por tions 3011,30b about which the clip C is clinched;

In the assembly of Fig. 5 the clip of Fig. 4 encircles the alignedends 30: 30b and is formed such that the teeth 28 are embedded into and grip the cover of the rectangular body 30. The mechanisms to be nowdescribed form the continuo'usstrip stock S intothe open spring clips of 4, and thereafter upon manual feed of successive buckle frames 30 to the machine,- are effective to clinch the open spring clips C into the engaged position illustrated in 5 p Referring now specifically to Figs.- 1, 6, l 0*and 1 1',

there is shown an illustrative machine according to'thepresent invention which includes a clip-forming station, generally designated by the reference numeral 32, and a clip-bending clinching station, generally designated by the reference numeral 34.

The machine includes a frame 36 having spaced apart uprights 38, and other required framing portions. Disposed horizontally between'the uprights" or standards 38, 40 is a' main cam shaft 42 which isj'our'nalied' for rotation in- Bearings 44, 46 on the respective standards, 38; 40. The main cam shaft 42 is driven'f'rom an appropriate electric motor 50- mounted on the frame 36; A speed reducing coupling is introduced betweenthe motor SO'and the' shaft 42 and includes a small diameter pulley 52 connectedto the motor shaftQalarge diameter pulley 54 looselyjournaled' on the cam shaft 42- and a feed belt- 56 trained about the pulleys: 52, 54: .Asing'le 4 cycle clutching mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 58 is interconnected between the large diameter pulley 54 and the cam shaft 42. As seen best in Figs. 10 and 11, the single cycle control for driving the cam shaft 42 through successive operating cycles, includes a driven plate 60 keyed to the cam shaft 42 and spring-bias coupling wedges 62 normally effective to provide a driving connection between the plate 60 and the pulley 54. This driving connection is periodically interrupted through provision of a control plate 64 having pins 66 disposed in operative positions relative to the respective wedges 62 such that'uponrocking motion of the control plate in the clockwise directionin Fig. 10, the wedges 62 are displaced from the positions providing the driving connection between the'plate 60 and the cam shaft 42. The control plate 64 and the associated pins 66 are rendered effective at the end of each cycle to disrupt the drive and are controlled' froma depressible foot treadle 6'8 operative on a pivoted bell crank lever- 70-connected' to the treadle by a coupling-rod 72. The. control plate 64- includes a radially extending arm 64a,- while the bell crank 70 includes acatch 70a; the bell crank being biased by the spring 74 such that'the' catch 70a engages-the arm 64a at the end of a cycle and rocks the control plate64in a clockwise direction in an amount sufficient to interrupt the drive. It is to be expressly understood that other mechanisms are equally suitable for attaining the desired single cycle activation of the driyencam shaft 42.

Reference will now be made to the details ofthe meehanisms atthe clip forming station 32 wherein the continuous lengthof strip stock S is intermittently fedbent into the configuration of the U-shapedbody 20 and delivered to the clip-clinching, station 34; As seen best inFig. -6,';a stripstock feeder is provided which includes a-roller 76 connected to a driven shaft 78,- and a' cooperating roller- '80 keyed to a stub shaft 82. If required the assembly of the roller. 80 and its shaft 82 maybe supported on a carrier which is movable in relation to the roller 76 and spring; biased toward the same to accommodate Various stock thicknesses.

Intermittent drive is provided to the feed rollers 76, 80 from the main cam shaft 42' through a couplingincluding: a silentclutch of the ball or rollertype, generally designated by therefer'en'ce numeral 84. As seenin' Fig. 11, the silent'clutch=84 isdriven in theclockwise direct-ion and includes a driven member 86 connected to the shaft 78 ofthe roller 76. The driving member 88'- of the silentclutch 84 is turned in clockwise motionduring a portion of the control cycle through an 'appropriate eccentric coupling includinga coupling rod 90 connected at one end to; the driven member 88 and at the other end to an eccentric 92 on the main shaft 42; Accordingly for eachcycle rotation of the main shaft, the:eccentrically-operated clutching mechanism 84 is effective to turn the feeder rollers 76, 80 which inturn deliver a predetermined lengtli'of the stock S: Trained about the eccentric 92 isabraking band 9 1 which is biased into contact-with the periphery of the-eccentric 92 by a spring 96 anchored on the -frarne 36; The spring-- biased= braking band 94 avoidso'ver running of thecam shaft 42- by itsdriving mechanisms. By adjustingthe length of the coupling- 90 in relatio'zito the eccentric 92 and the silent clutch-84; the effective length of stripstock S intermittently fed by'the' feeder may be adjusted in accordance withoperationa'l' requirem en'ts':

Referring-again to Fig. 6, itwillhe se'en that the feed erdeliv'ers the strip stock S upwardly at-an angle of 45 to: the horizontal through a guide 98- which terminates Short ofa female cuttingdie 100. As-seenbest in Figs; 7 to 9" inclusive, an of which views are on an enlarged scale; the female die 100' includes a cut-off cavity- 162- which is formed witha cutting: edge 1 02a an'd a stop 1021). The cutting edge 102a is slightly undercut and is serrated to provide the required clinching teeth 28 for the clips 20 upon cutting of successive blanks from the strip material S. The stop 1021; is spaced in relation to the cutting edge 102a in accordance with the length of the stock fed by the intermittently-operated feeder. The cutting die 100 extends substantially in the 45 plane of advance of the stock S and the feed is adjusted in relation to the stop 1021: such that the leading edge of the strip is substantially in contact with the stop Opening upwardly into the bottom of the cut-off cavity 102 of the female die 100 is a forming channel 104 which includes opposed forming surfaces 104a, 104b. The entry end of the forming channel 104 merges into the floor of the cavity 102, while the exit end is directed toward the seat of the clinching mechanisms 34, as will subsequently be described in detail. The forming channel 104 is disposed substantially at an angle of 45 to the vertical and at right angles to the direction of feed of the strip stock S.

Disposed over the female cutting die 100 are nested cutting punch 106 and bending punch 108. The outer punch 106 is a male cutting die mounted with its line of action substantially in the longitudinal center plane of the forming channel 104, the male cutting punch 106 being slidably mounted in an appropriate bearing formed in a supporting bracket 110. The leading end of the cutting punch 106 is shaped in relation to the cut-off cavity 102 of the female die 100 to sever the length of the strip stock S which straddles the cut-off cavity 102 and to displace the same downwardly against the floor of the cavity 102. The action of the cutting punch 106 may be best appreciated by sequential reference to Figs. 7 and 8 which show in sequence the punch 106 withdrawn and advanced to the operative position. The nested bending punch 108, which is movable substantially in a medial path between the forming surfaces 104a, 104b, serves as both a bending die for forming the blank length of stock into the clip configuration and for advancing the formed clip C into the seat in the clinching mechanisms 34. The bending punch 108 terminates in a flat blade 108a which is effective upon being displaced through a predetermined thrust to engage the cut-off blank strip stock on the floor of the cut-off cavity 102, to form the cut-off blank into the U-shaped configuration of the clip, and to advance the clip through the required downward angular path toward the clinching mechanisms. Upon progressively inspecting Figs. 8, 9 and 6 the function ofv the bending blade 108a of the punch 10% will be appreciated. After the blank is cut off (Fig. 8) the blade is effective during the first portion of the stroke to preform the blank into the U-shaped configuration (for example, see the dotted line clip of Fig. 9) and thereafter during the remainder of this stroke to advance the clip into the clinching station 34. Upon withdrawal of the blade 108a the clip is left in position for operation thereon by the clinching dies. In the form illustrated, the forming surface 104a of the channel 104 is a plate 112 disposed at an angle of to the vertical and providing a continuation beyond the exit end of the channel 104 along which the clip C may be guided under the control of the blade 108a of the punch 103.

Cam-control actuating mechanisms are operatively con- 2 nected to the cutting punch 106 for advancing the same through a stroke sufficient to sever the continuous metal strip S into a blank and to seat the blank into cutting die 100. These mechanisms are arranged in a balanced system and include a pair of spaced-apart, vertically-extending actuating arms 114, 116 which are pivoted on a shaft 118 extending across the frame of the machine between bearings 120. The actuating arms extend upwardly and forwardly off the machine and carry cam followers 122, 124 riding on respective flat disc cams 126, 128 on the shaft 42. Extending between the actuating arms 114, 116 is a cross head 130 which is pivotallysupported on the respective :arms and bears against the adjacent end face of the cutting punch 106. The cross head provides a driving connection against the punch 106 in response to clockwise pivoting of the arms 114, 116 about shaft 118. The punch 106 is biased against the cross head 130 and the cam followers 122, 124 biased against the respective cams 126, 128 by a spring 132 con nected via a ring 134 to the punch 106 and anchored on a frame part.

Further actuating mechanisms are operatively connected to the bending punch 108 for removing the same through the required thrust in timed relation to the operation of the cutting punch 106. Such timing is selected such that the bending punch 108 is effective only after the advanced section of the strip S straddles the cut-off cavity 102 and is ready for forming and transport toward the clip-forming station 34. These mechanisms include an actuating arm 136 arranged intermediate the actuating arms 114, 116 and pivoted at 138. Adjacent its upper end the actuating arm 136 carries a cam follower 140 which rides upon the periphery of a further flat disc cam 142 which is seen in Fig. 1 to be offset to the right from the longitudinal center plane of the machine. The cam follower 140 is biased into engagement with the cam 142 by a further spring 144 which is anchored on the machine and is connected to the bending punch 108 by a yieldable coupling 146. As seen in Fig. 6, the punch 108'extends through an appropriate opening in the cross head 130 and carries a threaded bol-t 140 which extends through a ball joint -and is fixed thereto by a nut 152. Surrounding the bolt 148 is a spring 154 suitably engaged between bearing supports. The arrangement of the coupling 146 which includes the ball joint 150 and the spring 154 is such that upon excessive loading of the punch 108 the coupling 146 will yield rather than cause fouling, jamming, misalignment or other mechanical dis turbance to the machine. However, ordinarily the coupling is such that the required driving connection is provided between the actuating arm 136 and the punch 108. By adjusting the nut and bolt connection of the coupling 146 and/or changing the development of the cam 142, it is possible to attain the required forward stroke or thrust for the punch, as will be detailed hereinafter.

Reference will now be made to Figs. 1 and 6 to 9 inclusive for the details of the mechanisms at the clipclinching station 34 which are effective, upon transfer of successive clips about the buckle frames. The mechanisms at the clip-clinching station 34 include an anvil which projects upwardly from a supporting base 162 and is formed with a clip-supporting surface 160a.

Assembled with and surrounding the anvil 160 is a depressible cradle 164 which is secured to an upstanding rod 166 extending through the base 162 and the under lying frame part. An intermediate portion of the rod 166 is threaded, as at 163, and carries on it a stop nut 170 which is adapted to bear against the undersurface of the adjacent frame part as a stop. Operatively' connected to the lowermost end of the rod 166 is a spring 172 which serves to bias the coupling rod 166 in the up direction. Through the arrangement of the stop nut 170, it is possible to adjust the vertical height of the cradle 164 to attain the desired orientation with respect to the anvil 160, specifically the surface 160a. In the adjusted position, illustrated in Figs. 6, 8 and 9 the cradle 164 and the anvil 160 cooperate to define a seat substantially complimentary to the open clip 20. As seen in Figs. 8 and 9, the cradle 164 includes an inclined surface 164a which forms a substantial continuation of the guide 112 whereby the clip C may be advanced into able along a vertical line of action in substantial alignment wi th-the anvil-cradle assembly. The clinching'pun'ch' 174 isfmo'unted' for vertical reciprocation on a' bearingexteh= sion of a" supporting bracket 176:

specially const'ructed actuatin'g'mechanisnis are operatively connected t'o'the clinching punch 174for' aehievin'g vertical, downward movement in relationto tlieanvil 160 andthe cradle 164. By progressivelyihspectingiFigsi 6 to9 inclusive; the cooperation between tlie'clinchin'g' pli'nch 174, the anvil 160, and the cradle 164 will be best appreciat'e'di The clip and buckleassembly.iscoinpletedwhile thepuneh1'74isir'i the retracted'p'ositio'n"('Fig. 6). Thereafter, under control of the actuating mechanisms, the punch 1'74 comes downuntil it engagesand depressesthe cradle 164, in which position the cooperating forming surfaces of thepunch'174 andof the anvil: I60'ar'e effective-to'formtheclip about the buckle into the clinched shape shown in Fig; After theforming operation is completed'thepnnch begins its return stroke (Fig. 8)' and remains in the retracted position during the delivery of the next clip'to'the cradle (Fig; 9).

The'actuating mechanisms for imparting motion to the punch 174 are constructed to take'into account the handlingof covered wire stock in which the core and/or the cover are" of varying thickness and materials and'to avoid damageor injury tothe' machine upon fouling or jamming of the punch. As to the size problem ifthe'length o'f'the strokeof' the'punch 174 were fixed; in some instances it' would cause unneeded and excessive clinching pressure. This excessive pressure would usually manifest itself by marring of the covering on the wire. Thus, as the dimensions of the assembly of the core and cover wire stock vary; it is necessary to adjust theetfective stroke of the punch 174. Obviously such adjustment requires the replacement ofparts in the'driving'mechanisms, or a change iri-the overall length of the punch 1741 The mechanisms to'"be now described are constructed to be self-compensating such that the elfective clinching pressure is the same from material to'material despite variations in the thickness of thestock. Specifically, the actuating mechanisms include" opposed plates 178, 180, the plate 178 being secured to the upper end of theclinching punch 174 and the plate 180 being supported on the rod 182. The rod 182' is formed with a flat 182a intermediate the ends thereof and has one end extending into a guide bore 174a provided axially of the punch 174'. Engaged within the hat of the rod 182 is a stop pin 184 which limits the upward movement of the rod 182 in relation to the female clinching punch 174. The upper end of the rod 182 is threaded and carries a nut 186 which limits upward'movement of the plate 180 under the influence of the biasing springs 188', 190 supported between the plates 178, 180. At the upper end of the coupling rod 182 is supported a bifurcated yoke 192 which carries a cam follower 194riding on cam 196 secured to the cam shaft 42'. The yoke 192 and the follower 194 are held in contact with the cam- 196 through provision of a forked lever 198 which is pivoted at 209' and biased by spring 202. It will be appr'eciatedthat the spring-biased coupling is a collapsible linkage and normally provides a driving connection between the cam and follower and the clinching'punch; however, when the opposing force to the movement of the clinching punchexceeds a predetermined value, the springs 188-, 190 permit collapse of the linkage and elfectively limit the length of stroke of the clinching die. It will be appreciated that the force required to effect collapseof the linkage may be adjusted by varying the bias as controlled by adjustment of the nut I86 along the threaded portion of the rod 182;

The timing of the various mechanisms at the clip-forming station 32 and at the clip-clinching station 34 will. be best appreciated by reference to Fig. 2, which shows the development of the various cams forming'the controls ofi the-present invention. As a further 'aid to und'e'rstandingv the drawings, designations'h'ave been provided on the layout. of Fig.- -2 showing the corresponding po'si'tions' of theelnie'nts' in Figs; 6' to 91" For example, along the degree'ver ticalline is'the legend Fig: 6. Upotrihspectibn of Fig: 6, the'cut'ting punch106'is seento bein the retracted position, and'thebendirrg'punch 108 moving in its retiirni stroke. Specifically referring from top to? bottom in'Fig: 2 the layout 92 (eccentric 92). correspondsto the operativeperiod for the feeding mechanisms which advance-thestrip'material' S. As to the clinching.

ing punch 108 which occurs during the return stroke of the cutting mechanisms and before operation of the clinching punch. The design for the cam may, if required; be altered to include a longer period during which the punch 108 is in the advanced position of Fig. 9-. This" design maybe needed to avoid any tendency for the clip C'to bounceback upon delivery to the seat provided by the anvil and the cradle 164.

As an aid to a more thorough understanding of the present machine a typical cycle of operation will be described;

The operator stands at a location forwardly of the machine and manually inserts the buckle frame 30 along the path of downward movement of the clinching punch 174, as may be best appreciated by inspecting Fig. 6. At the start of operation, a formed clip C is inposition for assembly with the partially completed buckle. Thereupon the operator depresses the foot treadle 68 which imparts to the cam shaft the required drive. for single cycle operation. Upon depressing the foot treadle, the sequence of operation illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9melusive occur in accordance with the timing detailed in conjunction with Fig. 2'. The operator must coordinate to remove the buckle with the clip clinch thereabout in advance of delivery of the next clip to the seat as illustrated in- Fig. 9.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be appreciated that the present mechanisms provide for the automatic formation of successive clips and for the delivery of the clips by positive and reliable means into a clinching station which. is readily accessible to an operator. The operator need merely manually feed buckles to the machine, trip the foot control and remove the completed buckle to achieve both clip formation and clip clinching. Production of as many as twenty-five hundred buckles an hour may be achieved by the described mechanism.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the formation of clips for covered wire buckles and the clinching of such clips about the covered wirebuckles, which is the primary application intended for the present machine, it will be expressly understood that other uses for the machine are contemplated.

Although there has been described an excellent embodiment of the present invention, a range of alternatives, modifications, omissions and additions are contemplated; accordingly the appended claims should be afforded a latitude of interpretation consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim: x

1. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching die, a

depressible cradle assembled with said stationary clinching die and cooperating therewith to define an upwardly opening clip-receivingseat,a movable clinching die,.means for"d'rivin'g said movable clinching die through a prede- 9 termined thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be clinched about said parts, clipguiding means arranged at an angle to said clinching dies and having a forming channel directed toward said seat, feed means for delivering atlength of said metal strip across said forming channel, cutting means operative along a path in alignment with said forming channel for severing said length from said strip, and a movable blade movable through said forming channel for medially engaging the cut length to form said out length into a U-shaped clip and for advancing said clip into said seat.

2. A machine for forming clips from a strip of metal and clinching successive clips about the inturned ends of a buckle comprising cutting means for severing blanks from said strip, means including a moving blade and cooperating forming parts, extending at an angle to the vertical for bending said blank medially to form a U- shaped clip, a male clinching die having a supporting surface, a movable cradle cooperating with said male clinching die to define a seat for receiving successive clips for assembly with the inturned ends of said buckle, a female clinching die arranged above said male clinching die and movable through a downward thrust relative to said male clinching die and operative to depress said cradle relative to said maletclinching die and to clinch said clip about said inturned ends, said blade being movable through a downward thrust directed toward said seat and being effective to transfer successive U-shaped clips through and beyond said cooperating forming parts and into said seat.

3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein said moving blade is disposed and is operative at an angle of approximately 45 to the vertical.

4. In a clip forming and clinching machine, a forming station including nested cutting and bending punches movable along a first line of action extending at an angle of 45 to the vertical, a cutoif cavity along said first line of action bounded by spaced apart edges, a shaping channel in alignment with and opening upwardly into said cutofi cavity, means operative along a second line of action extending at an angle of 45 to the horizontal for delivering lengths of a continuous metal strip into said forming station straddling said cutoff cavity, a clinching station including cooperating male and female die parts operative along a third vertically-extending line of action, said female die part being constructed to accommodate clip for clinching, first actuating mechanisms operatively connected to said cutting punch for moving said cutting punch through a downward stroke for severing said continuous metal strip into a blank and for seating said blank in said cutoff cavity, and second actuating mechanisms operatively connected to said bending punch for moving said bending punch through a downward stroke, said bending punch being arranged medially of said shaping channel and being extensible therethrough to displace said blank through said shaping channel and toward said female die part.

5. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching die, a depressible cradle encircling said stationary clinching die and cooperating therewith to define an upwardly opening clip-receiving seat, a movable clinching die, means for driving said movable clinching die through a downward thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be clinched about said parts, clip-guiding means arranged at an angle of approximately 45 to said clinching dies and including a forming channel having its exit end directed toward said seat, feed means arranged at an angle of approximately 45 to the horizontal for delivering a length of said metal strip across said forming channel, cutting means operative along a path in alignment with said forming channel severing said length from said strip, said cutting means including a cutoff cavity in communication with the entry end of 16 said forming-channel, and a blade movable through said cutoti cavity and said forming channel for medially en gaging the cut length to form said cut length into a U- shaped clip and beyond the exit end of said forming channel to advance said clip into said seat.

6. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching die, a depressible cradle assembled with said stationary clinching die and cooperating therewith to define an upwardly opening clip-receiving seat, a movable clinching die, means including a coupling for driving said movable clinching die through a predetermined thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be clinched about said parts, said coupling including biasing means arranged to permit collapse of said coupling when said movable clinching die encounters an excessive opposing force during its predetermined thrust, clip-guiding means arranged at an angle to said clinching dies and having a forming channel directed toward said seat, feed means for delivering a length of said metal strip across said forming channel, cutting means operative along path in alignment with said forming channel for severing said length from said strip, and a movable blade movable through said forming channel for medially engaging the cut length to form said cut length into a U-shaped clip and to advance said clip into said seat.

7. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching die, a movable clinching die, means for driving said movable clinching die through a predetermined thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be clinched about said parts, clip-guiding means arranged at an angle to said clinching dies and having a forming channel directed toward said stationary clinching die, feed means for delivering a length of said metal strip across said forming channel, cutting means operative along a path in alignment with said forming channel for severing said length from said strip, and a blade movable through said forming channel for medially engaging the cut length to form said cut length into a U-shaped clip and to advance said clip toward said stationary clinching die.

8. A machine for forming clips from a strip of metal and clinching successive clips about the inturned ends of a buckle comprising means having a serrated cutting edge for severing blanks from said strip, means includa moving blade and cooperating forming parts for bending said blank medially to form a U-shaped clip, a male clinching die having a supporting surface, a cradle movable in a vertical path and cooperating with said male clinching die to define a seat for receiving successive clips for assembly with the inturned ends of said buckle, means including a spring operatively connected to said movable cradle for adjusting the vertical location of said movable cradle relative to said male clinching die, a female clinching die movable through a predetermined stroke relative to said male clinching die and operative to depress said cradle relative to said male forming die and to clinch said clip about said inturned ends, said blade being effective to transfer successive U-shaped clips through and beyond said cooperating forming parts and into said seat.

9. A machine according to claim 8 wherein the adjusting means connected to said cradle includes a vertically-extending rod connected at its upper end to said cradle, said spring being operatively connected to said rod and arranged to urge said rod upwardly, and an adjustable stop on said rod for limiting the upward travel of said rod under the influence of said spring.

10. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching die, a depressible cradle assembled with said stationary clinching die and cooperating therewith to define an upwardly new;

feed means at one side of said"forming' channel "for'deliyering 'a length of said metal strip aros s sai'd forming channel, a stop at the other side or said forming channel adapted to engage the leading end of sa id metal strip when said metal strip is delivered; across said forming channel, cutting means operative along. a' pathin alignment with said forming channel for severing said length: from said strip, and a movable blade movable through said forming channel for medially engaging the cut length to form said cut length into a U shaped clip and for ad- Vancing said clip into said seat W I g 11. In a clip' forming and clinchingmachine, a forming station including nested cutting and bendingpunches movable along a first line of action, a cutoif cavity along said first line of action bounded by spaced apart edges, a shaping channel in alignment with and opening upwardly into said cutoff cavity, means for delivering lengths of a continuous metal strip into said forming station straddling said cutoff cavity, a clinching stationv including co-1 operating male and female die parts, said female die part being constructed to accommodate clips for clinching,

first actuating mechanisms operatively connected to said cutting punch for moving said cutting punch through a predetermined stroke for severing said continuous metal '12. In a machine for forming clips from a continuous 12 length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about parts to be clinched, a stationary clinching'die, a movable clinching die, means for driving said movable clinching die through-a predetermined thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be clinched about saidpart's, the driving means including a vertical rod, means slidably supporting said vertical rod on said movable clinching die and arranged to limit the 'upward travel ofsaid vertical rod relative to said movable clinching die, opposed lower and upper plates supported on said vertical rod, said lower plates being connected to said movable clinching die, biasing springs supported be tween said plates and means limiting the upward movement of said upper plate under the influence of said biasing springs, clip-guiding means arranged at an angle to said clinching dies and having a forming channel directed toward said stationary clinching die, feed means for delivering a length of said metal strip across said forming channel, cutting means operative along a path in alignment with said forming channel for severing said length from said strip, and a blade movable through said forming channel for medially engaging the cut length to form said out length into a U-shaped clip and to ad- Vance said clip toward said stationary clinching die.

13. In a machine for forming clips; from a continuous 7 length of metal strip and for bending successive clips about a part, a stationary clinching die, a movable clinching die, means for driving said movable clinching die through a prescribed thrust relative to said stationary clinching die whereby a clip may be bent about said part, clip-guiding means arranged at an angle to said clinching dies and having a forming channel directed toward said.stationary clinching die, feed means for deliveri'ng a length of said metal strip across said formingchannel, cutting means operative for severing said length from said strip, and a blade movable through said form'- ing channel for engaging the cut length intermediate its ends to form said cut length into a clip and to advance said clip toward said stationary clinching die.

No references cited. 

